About Us

The Private Business Association of Seminole (PBAS) was founded in 1993 by Commissioner Dick Van Der Weide, Marty Chan, Vice President of Energy Property Management, Anne Russell, President of Energy Property Management, and Richard Ryan, President of Prismatic. In organizing the Association, 14 charter members became elected officers. They formed standing committees, including Brenda Carey, Larry Dale, Mike Hattaway, Bob Hattaway, Mike Bass, Hugh Harling, Bev Weinsburg, Tom Kuhn, Ken Wright, and Brindley Pieters.

PBAS is a non-partisan, non-profit corporation established to focus attention on issues that impact the business community by identifying issues of vital concern to independent businessmen and women. PBAS provides private business owners and community leaders with the means to stay informed of current and relevant issues. A problem-solving “think tank” of blue-ribbon businessmen and women. The group works to achieve open lines of communication with elected officials and business leaders in order to promote effective solutions.

Members meet for breakfast once a month to receive updates on issues of current concern. Guest speakers regularly present a program on current issues. Membership is by invitation only and is restricted to owners, partners, or major shareholders of privately owned businesses located in or doing business in Seminole County. The membership is limited to 100 members.